The fork hovers in suspense as the taste buds are stopped in their tracks. Surprise lights up the face. I watch gourmet movies rather skeptically. Can dishes really be that dramatic? Or are they simply acting a part. Then I made a Fruit Sorbet for a special Ladies Tea Party. It felt like I was watching a movie in my own backyard. Jaws dropped. Eyes glowed. Nobody spoke. Fingers scooped out the last drops of sorbet. This was no act. Homemade Fruit Sorbet is such a treat for a summer heat wave. For a change to my usual favourite recipes I decided to find a different natural ice-cream recipe. Creamy and naturally sweet this Sorbet is also easy to make as it does not need an ice-cream maker!
To keep the sorbet chilled as long as possible on the summer's table I also created my own Ice Bowl. Isn't it beautiful? One of my creative aunts used to make these bowls as a birthday treat when we were children. Patiently layering water and flowers in the freezer. I used flowering lemon verbena and beautiful rose geranium petals. It takes days to make. But!! Complete with the pink berry sorbet it was quite a show piece. And a show stopper!
SUMMER SORBET:
1.5 kg mixed fruit (I used berries, mango, peaches and pineapple)
3/4 cup honey or coconut blossom
1.5 cups water
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp himalayan salt
You need to prepare well in advance. Chop up your selected fruit and spread evenly on a tray. Freeze until completely solid - preferably overnight.
On a low heat melt your coconut blossom (or honey) in the water. Once cool chill the syrup. In a food processor blend the frozen fruit, salt, lemon and simple syrup.
Make sure to taste - and add more lemon juice to your liking - I prefer the sorbet more tart so added lemon.
Scoop your wonderful fruit sorbet into a freezer safe container. Freeze for at least 5 hours, if not overnight.
No churn sorbet may be slightly harder than sorbet made in an ice-cream maker. However it is amazingly creamy. Harder is also preferable in our sky rocketing temperatures. Today was truly an unforgettable and beautiful day. Special for so many reasons. The delicious sorbet was the pièce de résistance.
